Description
This simple recipe shows you how to boil fresh Brussels sprouts to tender, bright green perfection. Boiling is a quick and straightforward cooking method that softens the sprouts while preserving their vibrant color. Optionally, blanching in an ice bath immediately after boiling stops the cooking process and maintains the sprouts’ texture, making them perfect for use in salads, sautés, or as a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1–2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts
- Water (for boiling)
- Ice and water (for optional ice bath)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sprouts: Trim and remove the stem ends from all of the Brussels sprouts. Depending on your preference, keep them whole or cut them in half to reduce cooking time.
- Boil in Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed Brussels sprouts to the boiling water. Cook them for 6 to 10 minutes until they turn bright green and become tender. Boil for a shorter time if sprouts are halved or if you plan to cook them further in another recipe. Boil longer if the sprouts are whole and will be served immediately or not cooked further.
- (Optional) Blanch in Ice Bath: Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked, drain them using a colander and immediately immerse them in a bowl of ice cold water. Let them cool completely to stop the cooking process and help retain a crisp texture and vibrant color. After cooling, remove sprouts from the ice bath and dry thoroughly before serving or using in your recipe.
Notes
- Boiling time varies based on sprout size and whether they are whole or halved—adjust accordingly to achieve your preferred tenderness.
- Skipping the ice bath will result in softer sprouts that continue to cook from residual heat.
- Use salted water to enhance flavor during boiling if desired.
- These boiled Brussels sprouts can be eaten as is, or tossed with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Boiled Brussels sprouts, how to boil Brussels sprouts, simple Brussels sprouts recipe, easy vegetable side dish
